BMW, 3 Series, E30 Little Known Facts

Brand: BMW Model: 3 Series Generation: E30

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The E30 generation was produced from 1982 to 1994.
It was the first 3-series BMW to use a front-wheel drive layout (in some markets).
The E30 was the best-selling BMW of all time in its production run, with over 2 million units sold.
It was available as a saloon (sedan), estate (wagon), and convertible.
The E30 M3 model featured a lightweight roof, sunroof, and rear spoiler to improve aerodynamics and reduce weight.
The M3 had an oil cooler, but it was not a standard feature on other M10-powered models.
The E30's 2.0-liter engine produced around 136-138 horsepower in some markets.
In the UK market, the 325iS model came with a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 143 horsepower.
The E30 was one of the first BMWs to use a front anti-roll bar as standard equipment.
The E30 had an optional driver's side headlamp on some models (e.g., the UK market).
BMW produced a limited-edition M3 model, known as the "Evolution" or "Evom3", in 1992.
The E30 was equipped with Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection and a closed-loop electronic ignition system.
Some E30 models had an option for a factory-installed anti-lock braking system (ABS).
BMW produced an all-wheel drive version of the E30, known as the "325xi" or "328i" (in some markets), from 1986 to 1991.
The E30's engine oil capacity was around 5.5 liters for most models.
Some early UK-market E30s had a manual transmission-only specification.
BMW produced a special edition E30 M3 in 1989, known as the "Group A" or "M3 Evolution Group A".
The E30's interior featured a driver-side dashboard-mounted ignition system.
Some countries offered an E30 model with a more aggressive front bumper design, e.g., for the UK market.
BMW produced special edition cars, such as the "Touring" and "SportLine", on some E30 variants.
The E30's rear axle was designed to accommodate various engine options (e.g., turbocharged engines).
In the German market, the 320i model had a carburetor-equipped engine until 1989.
The E30 M3 featured 16-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment on some models.
BMW produced an optional leather interior package for select E30 models.
Some late-production E30s (e.g., 1991 and later) featured a revised rear axle design.
The E30 was equipped with a unique oil filler cap that included the engine's displacement in metric units.
BMW offered a range of optional sport seats on various E30 models.
In some countries, the E30 M3 model came with a limited-slip differential as standard equipment.
The E30 had an advanced (for its time) air conditioning system that featured automatic air damper control.
Some UK-market E30s had a factory-installed driver's side headlamp that would dip in sync with the passenger-side lamp when driven on unlit roads at night.
BMW produced special edition cars for specific countries, e.g., an Australian-market E30 M3 model.
The E30 featured an advanced electronic immobilizer system (EIS) as a standard feature in some markets.
In Japan, the 325iS model came with an oil cooler and a higher-output engine producing around 153 horsepower.
Some late-production E30s had an updated interior with revised dashboard trim.
BMW produced an optional sunroof on select E30 models (e.g., the convertible variant).
The E30's rear seats could be folded to accommodate larger cargo loads in estate and saloon variants.
In some countries, the E30 M3 model came with a limited-slip differential with a revised gear ratio.
BMW produced an optional heated driver's seat on select E30 models (e.g., high-end trims).
The E30 featured advanced electronic engine management systems, including closed-loop fuel injection and ignition control.
Some early UK-market E30s had a revised rear axle design with improved durability.
In some markets, the 325iS model came with an oil cooler and higher-output engine as standard equipment on certain trim levels.
BMW produced special edition cars for specific trim levels (e.g., "SportLine" or "Touring").
The E30 M3 featured a unique exhaust system with a four-into-one exhaust manifold.
In the Japanese market, the 325iS model had an engine producing around 155 horsepower.
BMW produced limited-edition models (e.g., the "Evolution" or "Evom3") for various trim levels.
The E30's interior featured revised dashboard trim on some later production runs.
In Japan, some E30 M3 models had a revised engine producing around 163 horsepower.
BMW produced special edition cars with unique features (e.g., a distinctive exhaust note).
Some late-production E30s had an updated electronic immobilizer system.
The E30 featured advanced (for its time) electronic driver aids, including traction control on some models.